April is Autism Acceptance Month but several venues in meto Detroit host regular, sensory-friendly events for families. Check out the list below and let us know what we’re missing. Email [email protected] with other locations to feature.
If you are looking for support services and resources, the Autism Alliance of Michigan recently launched a new online resource directory. Learn more about it here.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center
During Sensory Friendly & Inclusive Mornings, LEGOLAND will reduce the lighting, turn off music & disable distracting stimuli for an hour before it opens to the general public. This event is perfect for our friends on the autism spectrum & other special needs individuals to enjoy the Discovery Center in a calm and fun environment.
SEA LIFE Michigan
During Sensory Friendly & Inclusive Mornings, SEA LIFE will reduce the lighting, turn off music & disable distracting stimuli for an hour before it opens to the general public. Sensory sensitive and special needs adults are welcome to visit during Sensory Friendly & Inclusive Mornings, too!
- Auburn Hills – Sunday, April 14th, 9am to 10am
Humane Society of Huron Valley
Sensory Story Time at HSHV is just like our traditional story time, but is specifically intended as a welcoming space for neurodiverse children. Join us one Tuesday every month for interactive stories, sensory play, a tour of the shelter and lots of fun! Modifications specific to Sensory Story Time include low lighting, ample space for freedom of movement and multi-sensory play activities. Sensory Story Time is generally designed for children ages 2-5, but all children are welcome. Pre-registration is required in order to maintain small group sizes.
- Ann Arbor – Saturday, April 20th, 10am
Goldfish Swim School
Goldfish Swim School is hosting ASD-friendly, Sensory Swims across the Metro Detroit area to welcome families of all abilities to get a sense of the Goldfish difference. Sensory Swims will include free family swim, sensory pool toys, and some highlights of how our Golden Learners programming works. Sign up for one of our three sensory swims below!
- West Bloomfield – Sunday, April 21st, 2pm to 3pm
- Ann Arbor – Sunday, April 28th, 8:30am to 9:30am
Abrams Planetarium
Sensory Friendly The Little Star That Could – The story about an average yellow star on a search for planets of his own to warm and protect. Along his way, he encounters other stars, learns what makes each star special, and discovers that stars can combine to form clusters and galaxies. Eventually, Little Star finds his planets, and each is introduced to audiences along with basic information about the Solar System. Sensory friendly shows are free thanks to sponsor MiABLE.
- East Lansing – Sunday, April 21st, 1pm
DNR Outdoor Adventure Center
The DNR Outdoor Adventure Center welcomes friends and families with sensory processing differences to our sensory-friendly building hours! Enjoy the opportunity to explore and experience the OAC with building sounds and ambient noises at a lower volume. During your visit, there will be a quiet room with sensory materials available to use, and a limited building capacity. At noon, the building will open to the public.
- Detroit – Sunday, May 5th
Ferndale Area District Library
Register for Sensory Friendly Storytime and enjoy stories, play, and activities geared toward children with sensory sensitivities or needing sensory accommodations.
- Ferndale – Tuesday, May 14th, 10:30am
